Willem Struik has assured those attending Badmofo MMA 6 on July 15th that they can expect to get their money’s worth when he steps inside the cage.
Struik will look to put his boxing debut behind him after failing to leave with the victory, but believes this time around with the correct preparations and adjustments he’ll pick up his first win.
Next Saturday Willem Struik will face Jordan Bedford in the Metrdome in Barnsley. We had the chance to speak with him before making the walk. Hear what he had to say below.
Interview With Willem Struik
Willem, you make your return for the first time this year in a boxing contest. How are you feeling physically and mentally ahead of your return?
I already make my return last April, ko Jan Lysak in 2 minutes. My opponent pulled out of the fight 2 hours before, so we are happy that Jan stepped in.
But I am feeling great this time really good training camp. Same as last time, only I am in better shape again. This time I will come closer to my perfect weight. 112/114. I hope to step into cage 118lbs.
After eight fights in MMA, you decided to turn to boxing bouts inside the cage. What was the reasoning behind doing so?
The reason why I fight boxing now is that my ACL was gone. My whole right knee was damaged, and the doctor didn’t know after the operation if I would be able to ever fight again. 5 weeks after surgery, I was back in the gym with a knee protector punching the bag. I couldn’t stop fighting. I am a gypsy. This is what we do. We love this stuff.
Reflecting on your boxing debut last year. The result didn’t fall in your favour. In reflection, what do you feel went wrong, and how do you plan on correcting that this time around on July 15?
In my boxing debut, my preparation was really bad. I was like 140/142 lbs. I didn’t lose weight and didn’t train hard at all. And 15 seconds into the fight, my acl went again. The plan to correct this is from the boxing debut till July 15. I train nonstop 8/10 times a week and lose weight every week.
Willem Struik on Recent Fight
Again, despite the result not going your way. What did you learn and take away from the fight itself or even the preparation?
I learn from the fight to take everyone seriously. Journeymen or the best in the world, always train hard and don’t lie to yourself.
How easier is it for you to prepare to compete in just one discipline as opposed to training for a mixed martial arts fight? Can we expect to see you return to MMA in the near future?
Because my knee was damaged, I was only allowed to do boxing, so it was not that difficult for me. Of course, I will be back in MMA. I am going to take the BMF boxing belt, then go for the BMF 4OZ belt, and after that, going to go MMA again and try to take the belt also there. I want to do BKFC as well.
Jordan Bedford is the man standing in your way next Saturday in Barnsley. What do you know about your opponent, the fight itself, and what he has to offer on fight night?
I don’t know anything about my opponent. The only thing I know is I am in good shape again, trained my a** off this time, and will be ready for everybody they can bring who they want. Everybody who knows me knows that when I step inside the cage or ring, it’s fireworks. I always search for the finish. That’s what I am also going to do next week. For the fans, this one will be a Knock out. Don’t miss it. End of the year, I will have the BMF boxing belt.
Featured image credits to Badmofo MMA
